Everyone wants a beautiful smile, and white teeth give us that dazzling smile to flaunt. But if your teeth are discolored, you become self-conscious in public situations and probably avoid meeting people. But do not despair; if you do not have as white teeth as you would want to, there are various ways of getting perfectly white teeth.

Teeth getting yellow stains or dingy gray is common and can be attributed to many factors, such as eating habits, oral hygiene, and aging. Those who frequently eat and drink stuff like coffee, sweets, wines, etc., are more prone to getting discolored teeth. Apart from going for a professional teeth whitening method, various toothbrushing techniques can help you get sparkling teeth and desired smile. 

Types of Tooth Discoloration

According to dental professionals, there are mainly two types of tooth discoloration:

1. Intrinsic – When stains occur inside the tooth, it is called intrinsic discoloration. The stains are either within the dentin or enamels. These are caused due to genetic disorders, aging, and other issues.
2. Extrinsic – This type of discoloration occurs on the surface of teeth, mainly due to exposure to foods and beverages that are highly pigmented or tobacco. You can use the right toothbrush and brushing techniques to eliminate extrinsic pigmentation.

Tips for Toothbrushing Techniques for White Teeth

Here are some tips to ensure your teeth remain white and you get back your self-confidence while talking to others:

• Choose the right kind of toothbrush – Many of us might not be aware that we can get rid of tooth discoloration issues just by choosing the right one. As per the American Dental Association (ADA), we should use soft-bristled toothbrushes to gently clean and polish our teeth without damaging our gums or enamels. You must choose the right shape and size of your toothbrush to fit inside your mouth and reach all parts of your teeth easily. You could go for electric toothbrushes as they can improve the technique by doing most of the mechanical work for you.
• Brush right – Proper toothbrushing determines how white and clean your teeth look. 
  • Your toothbrush should be at a 45 degrees angle to your gum.
  • Use gentle and short back-and-forth strokes to clean your teeth.
  • Ensure you are covering the entire surface of your teeth and the gums. 
  • Focus on areas that have stains.
  • Brush your tongue to remove any lingering bacteria.
  • Remember to floss the area between your teeth with interdental devices.
  • Brush your teeth at least for two minutes twice a day.
• Replace toothbrush regularly – A toothbrush worn down or frayed cannot clean our teeth. So, if your brush shows signs of wear and tear, buy a new one that can polish your teeth and lift your stains to reveal brighter-looking teeth. So, even if your toothbrush is less than three months old but shows signs of fraying, it is time to throw them.
• Use a whitening toothpaste – You will get the best results if you add a whitening toothpaste to your oral care regime. Whitening toothpaste has abrasive elements such as silica which can scrub a tooth’s surface. Such toothpaste might also have low amounts of carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. Your dentist could recommend the best whitening toothpaste for your teeth.
• Use whitening pre-rinse – An effective pre-rinse such as hydrogen peroxide can help loosen food particles and other build-ups in your mouth. Pre-rinse makes your brushing more effective.

Methods for Clearing Intrinsic Teeth Stains

• Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide – This is a popular combination for cleaning teeth because it actually works. You should mix one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts baking soda to prepare this solution. Use this mixture to brush your teeth.
• Use a washcloth with hydrogen peroxide – Dip a washcloth in hydrogen peroxide and rub your teeth with it. The peroxide would lighten the stain, and the washcloth would scrub your teeth.

Apart from the brushing techniques you can use at home, if you need quicker resolution for stained teeth, you could opt for professional teeth whitening services. The expertise of a qualified dentist and customized treatment will help you meet your smile goals.